The Gag Reflux

The gag reflex, located on the back wall of the throat, helps keep objects from going down your windpipe. If you have ever put your fingers too far back in your mouth and felt like gagging or throwing up, you've discovered the gag reflex. Some people have a very sensitive gag reflex. This makes going to the dentist very difficult.

If you are one of these people, talk with your dentist about your concerns. Sometimes, a new dentist or hygienist may place instruments in a sensitive spot, touching the soft palate (the entrance to your throat). If you warn the dentist or hygienist ahead of time, they should be able to avoid certain sensitive areas.

It's also possible that something you are doing makes the problem worse. For example, some patients draw their tongue back to give the dentist room to work, but they end up gagging themselves. You and your dentist or hygienist can work together to find ways to avoid gagging movements.

Distraction may also work. Patients who are highly concerned about gagging become tense in the chair. This can make you even more sensitive. Bring a portable music device and listen to music, practice meditation or focus on trying to keep your feet elevated one inch off the chair. These kinds of distractions can help keep your mind off your throat.

Can Stess Affect Your Dental Health

You already know that stress affects your smile. It ceases to be genuine and warm when you are stressed. But did you know that stress affects your dental health? What stress does not affect, you would ask. True, it is an all-pervasive problem. And it can trigger many more – psychological, physical, social. We will restrict our discussion to stress and dental health. Let’s look at the connection closely.

People who are stressed ignore a lot of important things including oral care. This makes the mouth susceptible to various dental problems and gum diseases. Some start smoking or drinking more in order to ‘de-stress’ themselves. This increases the chances of being affected by gum diseases and other dental problems.

Some people start grinding their teeth when stressed. This habit causes their teeth to chip or break.

If stress prolongs for too long, it makes it difficult for the body to fight infections, making you prone to the gum diseases – gingivitis and periodontitis.

Stress is directly responsible for conditions like dry mouth, canker sores, burning mouth, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), and myofacial pain dysfunction (MPD).

Some anti-depressants and stress-relieving medicine can cause dental problems such as dry mouth. Also, one of the side effects of such medication is vomiting which can cause erosion of the teeth enamel.

Don’t stop paying attention to yourself because you are stressed about something. Don’t miss your appointments with the dentist. Maintaining a smile will not only help reduce your stress but also brighten others’ days.

Keep smiling!